Friday, February 3rd, Micron Technology issued a short statement announcing Chairman and CEO, Steve Appleton had been killed in a light aircraft crash near Boise, Idaho. Mr Appleton was married with chidren and was 51 years of age. In a follow-up statement, Micron said that President and Chief Operating Officer and former CTO, Mark Durcan would assume the responsibilities of CEO until a successor is appointed by the Board of Directors.

"Steve was a true friend who will be dearly missed by all of us," said Mark Durcan, Micron President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our team members as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Mr Appleton had been a passionate flyer, having taken part in acrobatic air displays and had owned a former MIG jet fighter. He had been previously injured in a light aircraft plane crash during an air display.